Salem-News.com is an Independent Online Newsgroup in the United States, setting the standard for the future of News.Publisher:Bonnie KingCONTACT:Newsroom@Salem-news.comAdvertising:Adsales@Salem-news.com~Truth~~Justice~~Peace~TJP

U.S. Navy veteran Ted Visner and his wife, Kathy Smith of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, have been living out a nightmare. It started two and a half years ago, when the family fell victim to an apparent real estate scam by a local sheriff's department employee.

The Mt. Pleasant, Michigan home.

Ted Visner says they bought their former home on a land contract, only to learn seven months later, that the seller, Isabella County Sheriff's Dept. employee Shelly Sweet, was not making monthly payments on the house. A bank foreclosed on the property, all unbeknownst to the Visner/Smith family.

Ted Visner, who builds custom homes for a living, said, "Although we were paying Sweet every month on the purchase of the property, she had not been paying the underlying mortgage and the home fell into foreclosure." I asked Visner if he had records of those payments, he said he does, including canceled checks. You won't believe what happened next.

"On a weekend Sweet knew that we would be out of town, she offered the contents of our home to her friends and coworkers at the Isabella County Sheriff’s Department, claiming we had abandoned the home. Many took her up on her free offer deal and took over $55,000 dollars worth of our personal property."

Property Vanishes

$55,000 is a big number, but Visner said Sweet availed all of their personal belongings and private property to anyone who would take it. Visner tells Salem-News the items taken included beds, dressers, appliances, his wife's wedding dress which was hermetically sealed, kids toys, sports equipment, and a whole lot more.

Visner served his country for 6 years, aboard U.S. Navy submarines.

"My kids couldn't play or participate in sports for the next two years. Other items that disappeared included tax records... nothing has been recovered."

The story seems blatantly criminal in nature, with police banding together to help off their property in its entirety. Visner said, "She just put a sign out and let anybody have what they wanted, she didn't remember who was there. In her own deposition she admits to giving our stuff away."

Visner says Sweet told her employer, the sheriff's department that Visner and his wife weren't making payments, while Visner is able to prove via canceled checks to Sweet that they were indeed paying. "It was blatantly untrue," Visner added. "There is no evidence to support what the county did, it all shows what we are saying though."

He says the experience has been extremely hard for his family, adding, "I don't have any criminal background, I served six years in the Navy on submarines, my wife and I have kids, we don't deserve this, nobody in the world deserves this."

Visner, Smith and their kids, returned from their weekend away on Monday September 27, 2010, to discover that they were locked out of their own home. Visner called the law enforcement agency that Sweet worked for.

"We had NOT been evicted nor had we abandoned the property. The woman had convinced friends and coworkers that we had never paid her, and that were trashing the house and had forced her into foreclosure -- none of which were true."

It would take a day before the family was allowed to go back inside of the home, and that is when Smith and Visner learned that 95% of the home's contents had been stolen.

"A sheriff deputy named 'Steinert' came to our home three times that day and only assisted his coworker while the under-sheriff, sheriff and PA refused to help us after they recognized the totality of the situation," Visner said, adding that the "situation" was 6+ coworkers of Sweet having entered their home and receiving stolen property, which for anyone else in the world is Theft.

Instead, Visner was arrested for "Misuse of 911" on the deputy's third visit. "The county investigated the crime for almost four months and during this time, I moved my family out of Isabella County for safety, I could not move with them because my indefinitely delayed arraignment still loomed over my head."

Visner says after losing the home he shared with his family, and 95% of their belongings to the sheriff's department, that the prosecutor's office ignored their complaints and still refused to investigate "their employees". In his words, "Over two and a half years have passed now with law enforcement officials doing nothing except covering for one another."

Visner says the underlying crime was the conspiracy to deprive his family’s constitutional rights - that is a federal crime during the commission of which, he asserts that he was kidnapped (arrested) by Deputy Steinert on the "bullshit charge" of misusing 911. Violation of Title 18 U.S.C. §§ 241 and 242 is a federal felony crime where the offenders could be sentenced to death if killing or kidnapping occur.

Family photographs provided by Ted Visner

Visner says the following people participated in the crimes against his family.

"Our story needs to go viral, people need to know that they have to stand up for their rights, when we stop standing for our rights we won't have them anymore." He concluded that statement by adding that you only have rights when people in positions of authority listen.

"The Attorney General is dismissing this serious crime... For my family and I, there is no recourse, at least not yet. The AG prohibits complaints of police misconduct and civil rights being violated. I just wrote a letter to the ACLU and explained this, I haven't heard back from them yet," Visner said.

Salem-News attempted to reach Isabella County Sheriff Leo Mioduszewski, he has not returned our call in regard to the Visner case. An employee of the sheriff's office told Salem-News that the agency does not have a public information officer.

Is it possible to receive an "F minus" as a public safety agency? If so, based on the above information, that is definitely the grade the Isabella County Sheriff's Dept. in Michigan deserves. You can draw your own conclusions, but these cops appear to take law enforcement corruption and government misuse of power to all new levels.

A small donation will go a very long way for this family as they continue to put their lives back together! The family would like to offer you their sincere appreciation for your contribution!

With almost 25 years of experience on the west coast and worldwide as a television news producer, photojournalist, reporter and assignment editor, Tim King is Salem-News.com's Executive News Editor. His background includes covering the war in Afghanistan in 2006 and 2007, and reporting from the Iraq war in 2008. Tim is a former U.S. Marine who follows stories of Marines and Marine Veterans; he's covered British Royal Marines and in Iraq, Tim embedded with the same unit he served with in the 1980's.

Tim holds awards for reporting, photography, writing and editing from traditional mainstream news agencies like The Associated Press and Electronic Media Association; he also holds awards from the National Coalition of Motorcyclists, the Oregon Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs; and was presented with a 'Good Neighbor Award' for his reporting, by the The Red Cross.

Tim King reporting from the war in Iraq

Tim's years as a Human Rights reporter have taken on many dimensions; he has rallied for a long list of cultures and populations and continues to every day, with a strong and direct concentration on the 2009 Genocide of Tamil Hindus and Christians in Sri Lanka. As a result of his long list of reports exposing war crimes against Tamil people, Tim was invited to be the keynote speaker at the FeTNA (Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America) Conference in Baltimore, in July 2012. This is the largest annual gathering of North American Tamils; Tim addressed more than 3000 people and was presented with a traditional Sri Lanka ‘blessed garland’ and a shawl as per the tradition and custom of Tamil Nadu

In a personal capacity, Tim has written 2,026 articles as of March 2012 for Salem-News.com since the new format designed by Matt Lintz was launched in December, 2005. Serving readers with news from all over the globe, Tim's life is literally encircled by the endless news flow published by Salem-News.com, where more than 100 writers contribute stories from 23+ countries and regions.

Tim specializes in writing about political and military developments worldwide; and maintains that the label 'terrorist' is ill placed in many cases; specifically with the LTTE Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka, where it was used as an excuse to slaughter people by the tens of thousands; and in Gaza, where a trapped population lives at the mercy of Israel's destructive military war crime grinder. At the center of all of this, Tim pays extremely close attention to the safety and welfare of journalists worldwide.

All comments and messages are approved by people and self promotional links or unacceptable comments are denied.

Visner March 21, 2014 7:59 am (Pacific time)

Append to: Anonymous March 16, 2014 10:24 pm

This sounds like comments that are made by the county. Don't come after us, it isn't our fault Sweet did this to you... On it's face this might appear to be somewhat true however, Sweet did not act alone. Had Sweet acted alone, we would not have had to deal with all of the bias (county favors & solids) and she and her boyfriend Robert Wheeler would be in jail today. Remember, it was deputy Steinert that came to our property three times that day and after refusing us a police report after his first two visits, he made a choice and that was to take me from my family and lock me up. The county did nothing wrong? County law enforcement participated in relieving my family of our home and personal property without warrant and then through me in jail without warrant for calling 9-1-1 seeking their aid.

The county then relied on the fact that to fight this situation from a position of destitution would be hopeless. These criminal acts destroyed our family, our businesses and cast us so far into obscurity that none of them believed that anyone could or would pursue this as we have.

The county may have used it's influence to convince the Michigan State Police, the Isabella County Board of Commissioners, the state's Attorney General, the Association of Michigan Sheriffs, other law enforcement agencies, our elected state Representatives and the Governor himself to look the other way but that is where their influence stops. The county underestimated the resolve of one man who swore an oath to the Constitution at the age of 17 and whom still takes that oath as seriously today as he did when he gave it.

This story and our fight for justice against domestic tyranny is no longer about my family. Our fight today is for future generations of all our children because I believe that it is our duty to leave our children with a better country than the one we inherited.

A warrant, issued and signed by a judge, is the ONLY way that law enforcement can take your property. The sheriff's department knows this, the county prosecutors know this, the michigan state police knows this, the Michigan Attorney General knows this, the Department of Justice knows this yet not one single good faith effort has yet been over the last 3.5 years to offer any single shred of hope or help for my family by any established agency sworn to do just that.

The warrant does NOT exist. This converts the seizure of real and personal property into a conspired theft under color of law and the intentional conspiratorial deprivation of rights under color of law and all those whom should have, and were obligated to, respond that have not have willfully joined themselves in the conspiracy to do the same.

The conspired deprivation of rights under color of law is a federal crime as defined in Title 18 U.S.C. §§ 241 and 242. Punishment varies from a fine or imprisonment of up to ten years, or both; and if death results, or if such acts include kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for any term of years, or for life, or may be sentenced to death. http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/investigate/civilrights/federal-statutes

No officer can make any lawful arrest during the his/her commission of any other felony crimes. I was not arrested, I was kidnapped, removed from home and my family and detained against my will in a cold dank jail cell immediately following the theft of my family's home and it's contents.

Former Mt Pleasant Resident March 17, 2014 2:14 pm (Pacific time)

There's no sense in calling the attorney general in MI, he's originally from Mt. Pleasant and is just as corrupt as the Sheriff Dept has been for 30 years.

Anonymous March 17, 2014 12:13 pm (Pacific time)

I think this should be investigated but higher authorities from the State. I also think that as a veteran a JAG Officer should help him out, that's what being part of the Military is about that you have a larger Military family backing you up, right?????

Anonymous March 16, 2014 10:24 pm (Pacific time)

I don't think Visner can sue the municipality. It wasn't the city or county who did anything wrong. Just because Sweet works for the sheriff's department doesn't mean the public agency is at fault. She should definitely be prosecuted, however. It's one thing to fail to pay the mortgage while Visner was paying her. It's a whole other thing to invite people in to loot the Visner home.

gojira March 16, 2014 2:13 pm (Pacific time)

scott march, you obviously have no idea how the system really is - judges, prosecutors, cops, and the vast majority of lawyers are all friends with each other and will help one another cover up "official crimes"! i've seen it happen time and again - and if you dare to speak out, you wind up being terrorised by these corrupt pieces of s--t!

not you March 15, 2014 12:47 pm (Pacific time)

F*ck that sheriff. This is how pedophiles act!

Betty March 13, 2014 3:05 pm (Pacific time)

This happens in hardin county all the time only they put you in jail while the sheriff steals your property.

submarine Steve March 13, 2014 11:45 am (Pacific time)

This is not right!!!! This submarine brother and his family did not deserve this. These officials are supposed to be held at the highest standards, yet they are held the lowest. No wonder our country is suffering with so much corruption. Good article. Thank you for fighting for the truth

Larry March 12, 2014 3:20 pm (Pacific time)

A large missing part to this story is why were no attornies involved or hired by the victims? Any attorney would willingly sue a "government entity" when things like this occur. It is totally obvious to me there are some serious pieces to this story that aren't being told. If I were telling this story, I would show a picture of the "Contract agreement" online, I would also show copies of the checks, etc. etc. to show the validity of the claims. I would also show the names, addresses and phone numbers of all people involved so questions can be asked and answered. I am not yet satisfied by this single website story. I need more information before I would 1. formulate an opinion and 2. donate any money. Thank you.

Hi Larry,

I received a letter from Sheriff Leo today and a new article coming forward with more information, thank you.

Scott March 12, 2014 1:11 pm (Pacific time)

The author's attitude towards comments people make about this story shows just how far journalism has fallen and the unprofessional conduct that is accepted today.

You think we should provide you a speech panel but we shouldn't have a right to comment back? Hmmm. You write what you want and we'll write what we want too. Welcome to the real world, we work for truth and justice; we DESPISE government abuse and there is a reason this story came to us in the first place, because of years and years of advocating for human beings getting the shaft. Put on your thick skin pal if you are going to play in our pool, that is my best advice. This is new journalism, and we represent the aspect that is still intact.

yvette March 12, 2014 8:06 am (Pacific time)

god bless you and your family.

Katherine March 12, 2014 7:30 am (Pacific time)

If you want this story to go viral, I recommend rewriting it without bias. A little editing would also be nice - too many commas, and gratuitous use of the word "that" make it seem amateurish.

That's interesting, considering how viral this story is. 56,586 unique views in the month of March 2014, for a story written in May 2013... I think the total unique views of this story are in the vicinity of one million, so while I appreciate your demeaning advice, I think I'll leave it as it is.

What they need to do is call personal attorney William Piper in Kalamazoo. He will sue any municipality, but in the end only the attorneys win!

Anonymous March 11, 2014 1:15 am (Pacific time)

So what is the OTHER half of the story ? People that believe what they see on hack job website like this one believe everything. That's why Faux News has an audience.

Well if you had actually read the story you would know that the Sheriff did not return our calls. Comparing the honest Salem-News.com to FOX is ridiculous, no wonder you leave your name off the comment.

Anonymous March 10, 2014 3:59 pm (Pacific time)

This story is nothing more than a bunch of bs, if crimes where commited then charges would have been filed. It amazes me that people read this garbage and instantly believe it. The poor people in this country just love story's like this just another chance to throw good hardworking people under the bus.

This is a story about government corruption, government abuse of power, government abuse of taxpayer resources, and I am just getting started. Mr. Visner is a US Navy Veteran and an honorable man, you however are comedic, at best.

Anonymous March 10, 2014 12:48 pm (Pacific time)

I'm sure no local attorney will take this case, but there are attorney's who are not local, sometimes not even in Michigan who will gladly jump into a civil rights case. It's worth a google search and some phone calls. I would also contact every person in the chain of elected officials all the way up to the governor and see what happens and I wouldn't stop at state officials, I would contact your US rep and senator as well. If anything else maybe you could start with a civil suit against Shelly Sweet for the money you paid her and are now out and also for your $55,000 in possessions that you have her admitting she took. Sometimes a civil suit will prompt a criminal suit or at least give you some great leverage to pursue it if you win that case. Best of luck to you and I intend to share your story with everyone I know in hopes that something good can come out of it.

Anonymous March 10, 2014 5:49 am (Pacific time)

should have called in the State police

juanita March 10, 2014 5:38 am (Pacific time)

Yes mt.pleasant cops are not out to serve and protect the people, theyare all about ways to file charges on anything to make their money. These officers have no business trying to uphold the law. No one should ever be above the law.

Stateraised March 9, 2014 11:06 pm (Pacific time)

Michigan people have NO AG...Sold out to the Machine. Good ol'boys justice "PURE MICHIGAN"

David W. Dodt Sr. March 9, 2014 9:44 pm (Pacific time)

I'd write or go see the Governor of Michigan. That is if the Michigan attorney General won't take action. What about the county commissioners have you talked to them. I believe they have oversight of the county Sherriff.

Anonymous March 9, 2014 6:59 pm (Pacific time)

maybe someone that was there getting your stuff for free worked for a corporation.. you should file suites and criminal complaints against any company you can think of since there is a possibility they were there at some point taking the stuff.

terri March 6, 2014 5:27 am (Pacific time)

Call the news stations , like fox news, or shoes like Hannity, Bill O'Reilly, The Kelly File, or Gretta VanStrussan, Fox takes on a lot of stories about veteran abuses. Good luck,

Anonymous February 18, 2014 8:43 am (Pacific time)

this is total BS. And people wonder why you cannot trust our legal protectors!!!!!!

JOHN SIMON February 12, 2014 4:43 am (Pacific time)

This is a total outrage.... Every Person including active and retired military should be outraged at such evil.... I am sharing this to my 4877 friends of the American soldier. US Army Retired here and proud of it !!!

linda everett January 31, 2014 2:37 pm (Pacific time)

That is sad. I feel for the family. Who are we supposed to call on when something is wrong.

Althea Adams September 5, 2013 10:10 am (Pacific time)

This is a very sad story, I feel for this family. I pray to God that He restores them and for this Sheriffs dept. be prosecuted to the fullest extent possible. To the Visner family...may God bless and keep you. Thank you Ted Visner for your service to our country and all of our unsung heroes that have provided and are still providing their service for us.

Gary Shimmell September 4, 2013 2:10 pm (Pacific time)

I have some info about Isabella county myself with others it isn't right im on my moms facebook but id like to talk to you some time

Anonymous August 31, 2013 2:36 pm (Pacific time)

had the different kinda crap but simular go on in shawnee co kansas health dept comining on the property anytime they desired taking new giood conditiuon things then fining mty fathers property for there work -my advice friend
1, get a grand jury convened on this issue
2,have the state or federal attourney generals office start an investigation
3. contact the county office of risk management have them investigate the claim .
4. contact the inspector general of the dept of the interior and file a waste fraud and abuse claim .
5. i would contact the fbi and the state highway patrols for an independant third part investigation and a federal one .
6. i would take each and every one listed to civil court for looses up to $5,000.00 each one on your list individually .
7. i would after all the presure is on there dept -then contact internal affirs of the sheriffs department or state beaurea of investigation internal affairs to get a conduct investigation launched the main charge is "abuse under color of authority " or "initiating an illegal investigation " or conspiracy to defraud " all those carry jail time for cops and even if nothing is found any intenal affairs investigation in any jacket of service for any leo is grounds to deny -promotions that later effect there retirement pay it lowers it :} lol -crooked abusive cops are in the same catagory to me as child molesters -got no use for either period -people like this dont need to be wearing a badge in my book but look good behind bars .if any are military reservists off duty - have the dod adjudant generals office start a jag investigation on conduct unbecoming through the ucmj :} -----that is all plus use the naacp /aclu etc etc - you dont have to be black or minority or left leaning to sick thesedogs on them why because if they even smell agency money there apt to do everything pro bono --go get the idiots friend i would :}

Anonymous August 28, 2013 12:21 pm (Pacific time)

This story is very sad.. It is not right what they have done to this family... I hope someday you will get what is due to you... I hope the sheriff and employees get what is coming to them.. Along with the proscuter and Attorney General.. they all should pay for this...

Anonymous August 27, 2013 8:59 am (Pacific time)

I am so sorry this happened to yall. WOW get em....

Comiserate August 26, 2013 1:16 pm (Pacific time)

This is also common practice for landlords in the city of Chicago.. and tenants (although have rights) can't do much about this. They have the rug ripped right out from under them (speaking from experience) and find out their landlord is living in the Philippines and has been pocketing your monthly rent checks for two years, resulting in foreclosure and eviction.

Anonymous August 26, 2013 7:08 am (Pacific time)

You think your county is bad, then you definitely do not want to live in Shiawassee County. Makes me wonder where are we safe? Why do we have to pay lawyers who we do not no whether they are good or bad to help us? Now, you walk in the door and they want $2,500.00 just to present a paper in court that you have already presented and the judge and prosecuting attorney does nothing about it; which would prove a person innocent of all crimes which he has spent 11 years in prison for. There is no justice when it is in black and white. I no what you are going through; I have been going through similar stuff with our county, to no avail.

ada milby August 25, 2013 7:28 pm (Pacific time)

I believe every word from this family,I have been a victem of the same situation, only in another state. They are all the same, shake a hundred dollar bill in their faces, they are as ready as hell to do whatever they are asked to do. I suffered 31/2 years living in proverty, because of the idinical thing happening to me, having my home taken away, no money, no place to go,sleeping wherever I could,but my hands were tied . becauce of the beauacrats running the system. It cost me these years of my life of hard work, and no one seemed to give a damn what happened to me. I have gotton my home back, the one that started this whole thing is in prison, doing 20 years, my x husband is dead....rip..

sallymander58 August 25, 2013 2:48 pm (Pacific time)

Ok you can not sue the police buy they were not acting as police officers when they invaded your home. You need to sue them as individuals not police officers. Get a good attorny who works on a commission. Jeffery Figer comes to mind. Just because a person is a government official does not mean that they can not be sued as an individual. It was criminal I know what was done to you and your family, but under the law this is a civil contractual matter and you have to bring suit in court. Good luck and God Bless Alos in closing keep in mind that you can also sue for emotional damages, for all of you.

Anonymous August 25, 2013 1:00 pm (Pacific time)

Tell the ACLU that you are an atheist and they will take your case...

Chris August 25, 2013 7:18 am (Pacific time)

LLE have always had a hard on for the military and not in a good way. LLE are enforcement troops now. No more serve and protect.. Serve and collect now.. Like thugs they are getting taken down in record number.

Leah August 25, 2013 6:56 am (Pacific time)

Incredible that something like this could happen !! Salem... also the place where Phineas has placed on death row despite his innocence. Sounds like LOTS of corruption in this area!

Jack Kudrav August 24, 2013 11:35 pm (Pacific time)

That's incredible! It should be investigated by the FBI and taken before a Grand Jury. The DA lawyers should be disbarred forever. It's theft by unlawful pretenses or deception of some type to defraud, everyone should pay up including the people who participated in taking their property and claim they didn't know...they don't sound believable and should a pattern of deception.

gayle August 24, 2013 7:30 pm (Pacific time)

You need to be on Dr.Phil show,let him get to the bottom of this.

Woody W Woodward August 24, 2013 7:27 pm (Pacific time)

Has any of your property been returned? I don't know how the theft statutes of Michigan read but here in Texas if after some one knows that they have received stolen propety and refuse to return it they may be charged with theft of the property.
If the Sheriff and his personnel have done what you say, they belong behind the bars of their own jail.

Linda Brickner August 24, 2013 7:22 pm (Pacific time)

You need to contact Bill O'Rielly on Fox News.
Send him this article and I bet he would give you a lot of publicity. Shame on these people, they have no decency. God Bless this family.

Anonymous August 24, 2013 6:50 pm (Pacific time)

This is the biggest load of crap - Everyone involved should be brought up on charges from left to accessory after the fact to receiving stolen goods, etc. If you charge them with being s****y human beings, I'd charge them with that too. I'd have no issue with their homes being burglarized. I'd have no issue with their lives being completely destroyed. I know not all cops are bad, but this is why people don't trust the. This is why people are violent toward them. I'd contact every news organization in the area, every news paper, every Senator, Congressmen and I'd be contacting the GOV. Then, I'd send it all to CNN, MSNBC, FOX News and every political pundint on each channel. I wouldn't stop until I had embarrassed them as much as possible. I'm praying for your family. I know it's so hard for you right now, but, keep praying. Your day will come. The truth always comes out. My mortgage comp tried to foreclose on our house stating we hadn't paid in over 6mons. When I had bank statements showing we had paid. We were doing a refi, yet, they had "no record". We contacted our Senator, Congressman and the GOV. Not to mention, the Army Times. The refi they had no record of was approved 30 days before we had ot be out of our home - go figure. Now, GMAC is out of business and they've been bought out. They wanted liquid to stave off a buy-ouy, had to be, bc we aren't the only ones that had them try to foreclose during a refi. The truth will come out...hopefully soon. GOD BLESS YOU and YOUR FAMILY!! GOD has blesings in store for you....XOXOXO

Harry j Witko August 24, 2013 6:02 pm (Pacific time)

This is beyond belief. Where are the real authorities. A bunch of people need a little jail time here.

Jackie Zufall August 24, 2013 5:23 pm (Pacific time)

Why has the FBI not stepped in? They should be over the all law enforcement when it comes to investigating. Something needs to be done to get all those involved behind bars and replace at the very least monetarily what the family lost!

Sandy Buchanan August 23, 2013 7:39 am (Pacific time)

Why haven't you contacted your State Rep and Senator (or did you)? Also, contact the ACLJ (American Center for Law and Justice) - can go on their website. God bless you and your family. ps: go to your Church and have them keep you in prayers.

Anonymous August 22, 2013 3:52 pm (Pacific time)

FIRE THE ENTIRE DEPARTMENT AND MAKE THEM FACE CHARGES!!!!

Anonymous August 22, 2013 1:59 pm (Pacific time)

I would try a more conservative group than the ACLU. Perhaps the ACLJ. The DOJ has it's own issues and the FBI seem to be up to their armpits in Federal investigations involving our WH and current administration. Also, check with your State Dept site of attorneys.....there's got to be someone willing to take this one on and gain a sizable retirement in doing so ;) Praying for your family and that justice be done. Sending the armies of God's angels to stand with you in this battle.

Paul J. Elliott July 31, 2013 4:24 pm (Pacific time)

I'm sorry for you're going through. From my own experience, Isabella county is inherently corrupt. They have a history of exploiting the college and tribal communities, keeping the local media in the bag and ignoring civil rights on a regular basis. You can't beat them because they wield a lot of influence in the state all the way up to the AG's office, and all levels of court. A lot of it has to do with Tribal politics which makes Isabella County a state unto itself.

Joslyn June 27, 2013 12:29 am (Pacific time)

This is almost exactly what the LAPD has let my landlord (whose alias signed my lease) do. A Sgt. needed to live closer to Rampart station. If anyone knows of any resources out West, please let me know. Audio of LAPD home invasion earlier in the year available (I wouldn't let the landlord in, so LAPD handcuffed me and tossed my house for nearly an hour). plaid[dot]taxi[at]gmail[dot]com Thank you!

Interesting, thanks for letting us know, feel free also to drop me a line, tim@salem-news.com, thanks!

Sue June 24, 2013 5:02 pm (Pacific time)

You need to get in touch with a national television company like ABC News and I bet something would be done in no time.

Visner June 24, 2013 12:52 pm (Pacific time)

Since this article was published by Salem-News.com, Shelly Sweet has been fired by the Isabella County Sheriff Department and on the very same day, "The Morning Sun" newspaper reported her having been fired but that it had nothing to do with my allegations in the same sentence! Meanwhile, all the criminals that took part in the criminal violations against my family are still at large! Why don't I feel safe?!?! Call Sheriff Leo and demand arrests at(989) 772-5911. Call and/or fax or mail the Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette and demand that actions are taken before my family gets hurt any further by the corruption in Isabella County at:

A special thanks from my entire family for all the support and phone calls! Peace and God Bless! Ted and Family 989-954-2814

Visner June 13, 2013 11:33 am (Pacific time)

That was so touching Bob from across the pond in the UK! I shared your comments with my family and now I would just like to add that you Bob, were the first person and only person to actually donate at www.visner4sheriff.com ! ! ! Bless your heart Bob!

Go Ted Visner! June 4, 2013 2:50 pm (Pacific time)

Many people are behind you sir, you are getting a lot of positive energy directed your way and prayers, things will turn out well for you, I can feel it.

Bob June 4, 2013 2:06 pm (Pacific time)

I myself cannot offer help by voting or recommending, or even lending a hand.
I'm across the pond in England UK and I'm appalled at the way one human being (not as tho' your local Police are Human) can inflict hardship, deceit, lies and theft on another.
I so wish that these so-called Blue Bottles/Rozzers/Flat Foot, (that's what they get called over here) get their just (and more) desserts.
Your message to the world is getting it done I think. I've been reading through reams of text about all of this and it just shows that the doors close with a slam when people get frightened by (us) the minions. The Authorities that ARE liars and cheats tars the brush for the innocent helpful ones.
My thoughts are with you along with empathy as having suffered under the same hammer of deceit and lies by people you pay your taxes to and above all that expense, the trust and the love that you have for your Country. I have sayings to everybody who has the problem of injustice by the governments.. We are all "(Mushrooms, kept in the dark and fed on bulls**t)". Yourself having served your country, to protect and to serve, and to abide by the oaths presented to you on your enlistment into that task, and have people like these low-lifes and cowards do this to you is the old adage of Shot at and Sh*t on.
I do apologise for the bluntness of a few words but, this is what they do to you, they turn your opinions of your Country to wanting heads to roll.
I cannot envisage just what you have gone through in your country, but a vast amount of that comes from the readings and texts presented to the world in what you have endured and maintain to get what is rightfully yours.... (JUSTICE)
My kindest regards to all your family and supporters
Bob

VISNER June 4, 2013 7:53 am (Pacific time)

Their is a petition that people can sign at www.visner4sheriff.com asking the DOJ or FBI to investigate. To date, the DOJ, FBI and Michigan State Police refuse to investigate their fellow law enforcement brothers. Currently their are 271 signatures. The number of calls, emails, letters and faxes to the feds is over 200 and not a peep back from them. Also had tried to get the Michigan Attorney General's help over the past 30 months and he (Bill Schuette) has blown us off. Cornered by friends last week at one of his events and told about my family, Schuette claimed that he had never heard of my family or our complaints. Our prayers are that this story will make the national news. It has to! Not for my family's sake but for all who despise corruption and those who may be spared from having to go through what my family has gone through. Horrific is not even a good enough description. Local media (the morning sun- a Mt Pleasant paper) has been covering for the county. The storify.com story is by a morning sun photo journalist- Lisa Yanick Jonaitis. Sue Field, a reported of the morning sun, reported that we had been evicted and although we had not been, absolutely refused to print a retraction. Lisa and Sue are not only friends of FB, they also do a lot of work together for the morning sun as writer and photographer. Neither of these women have ever talked to us but continue to report on our story regardless... That is a special kind of SICK if you were to ask me...

Anonymous June 3, 2013 8:29 pm (Pacific time)

Take the county and the city to court and see how fast they settle out of court.I know it won't get your stuff back that people took out of your home that you can't replace but once you show your prof to a judge that you was paying her and she opened that door to your home to other police officers to help them self's to your stuff I don't see a judge letting them be police officers any more for any state. good luck VISNER

Anonymous June 3, 2013 8:12 pm (Pacific time)

I feel so bad for this family that had to come back home just to find out that they could it get in their own home because of a so called person that I call a pig (cop), So what she lost her job but. what about the family that she has let people take from them along with her self? She took the money and spent that any damn way she wanted to so ya I say throw the book at everyone that has taken from this family.There is things that can not be replaced. But you think Michgan police gives a shit? nope but you let a coworker do that to them and something will be done about it. Michgan has all ways been about money and still is there is not a true cop out there anymore in this world. These so called pigs now is all for them and hell with everyone else and that is so wrong. State pigs don't care either they are just like michigan police.Hoping for the best for your family Mr.Visner

Lisa May 31, 2013 2:19 pm (Pacific time)

Wow this story is hard to believe, But how small of a town is MT. Pleasant in Issabella County? Corruption is everywhere especially in sm towns I should know I live in a rural area in a neighboring state. What I don't understand is why you wouldn't of called the State police rather than a dozen or so calls to local police whom were involved in the situation or I think I would have even made a call to the F.B.I. So why hasn't any calls to a higher authority been made? Also I don't understand why none of our other news press haven't picked up on this story as it did happen 2.5 years ago. Don't give up keep calling, e-mailing, faxing, and whatever else it takes to bring this to the publics attention so it can be made right. Don't think your the only person this has happened to because things like this happen all the time all over our country. People get big heads with job titles and forget where they came from. Good luck and I hope to see your story on news channels with a positive end result....

Dan Corby May 30, 2013 7:28 am (Pacific time)

Armed resistance is justified when they wipe their ass with our Constitution

VISNER May 22, 2013 6:40 am (Pacific time)

I have been pressing these issues on the Internet now for well over two years on many different sites and news outlets yet not one single press release or statement attempts to justify Isabella County's actions against my family have been given, made or released other than the elected sheriff ling about our eviction. They have not a single retort that would serve to do anything other than further implicate and incriminate themselves so instead they remain silent... pleading the 5th amendment.

Ironic isn't it? The county first denies my family's rights secured by the constitution and then uses the same constitution to refuse to answer our allegations openly and publicly.

It was reported to me yesterday that Shelly Sweet has finally been fired from the Isabella County Sheriff Department! The same report went on to say that Sweet was fired for reasons unrelated. Isabella County is still working to cover for itself. Had the county fired her for her actions against my family, this would have been an admission to all our complaints!

Devil Doc May 21, 2013 10:31 am (Pacific time)

This is clearly a violation of both Michigan and U.S. laws. I think the family needs to contact the DOJ Public Corruption Dept. They can investigate this and bring charges against the people. Also contact an attorney not in the area. Have him file a civil lawsuit against the county and each employee. They hold no legal protection status since they were violating the law. I think if the county sees a suit in excess of $50,000,000.00 plus court costs and attorney fees and each individual sees lawsuits of $15,000,000.00 stuff will be done.

Ooohrah Doc!

Anonymous May 20, 2013 5:45 pm (Pacific time)

"To the editor...I am on your side in regards to this article, but may I share something with you for future reference? § 164.095¹ Theft by receiving (1) A person commits theft by receiving if the person receives, retains, conceals or disposes of property of another knowing or having good reason to know that the property was the subject of theft. (the word "knowing" is important) http://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/164.095"

Actually, the important words are "retains, conceals or disposes of". They may not have knowingly recieved stolen property but the certainly retain, conceal or have disposed of it. Once they knew that the property was not the woman's to give away the only course of action that should have been taken was to return it to the rightful owner. Besides that, "reason to believe" would almost certainly fall on at least the first few people to "recieve" property. When the first few people went into the home they should have realized that something was not right as most abandoned properties are completely stripped bare and the people almost never leave pictures, children's toys, tax records or wedding memorabilia much less tens of thousands of dollars in other items such as television sets and appliances.

Roger that, thanks very much.

VISNER May 19, 2013 2:25 pm (Pacific time)

Quote from Todd Alwood of Mounty Pleasant, MI. "My initial comment about Ted being a nut job that was legally evicted was pretty much a quote from someone that I knew and trusted. After doing my own research and talking to different people, it sounds like he did get the shaft and has a legitimate complaint against the County law enforcement officers he dealt with."

The quote above was made after he had made the quote below. "Todd Alwood - I used to work at the Isabella County Sheriff's Department, and I checked into this story. He's a nut job and was LEGALLY evicted."

Mr. Alwood worked for the Isabella County Sheriff Department until he broke his neck riding bulls in 2005.

Anonymous May 15, 2013 8:18 pm (Pacific time)

I live in Michigan and I beleave this there are public officials take what they please I live in ionia couny and there police will come get things from people that don't belong to them

VISNER May 15, 2013 11:38 am (Pacific time)

Shelly Sweet and Clinton Steinert, both employed members of the Isabella County Sheriff Department, conspired together to come onto my family's property in disguise and deprive us, a family of four, of our rights secured by the constitution of the United States. Title 18, U.S.C., Section 241 Conspiracy Against Rights- This statute makes it unlawful for two or more persons to conspire to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any person of any state, territory or district in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him/her by the Constitution or the laws of the United States.

This conspiracy was and is a federal crime. During the commission of this federal crime, I was kidnapped by Steinert.

Here is a legal definition of kidnapping: Generally, kidnapping occurs when a person, without lawful authority, physically asports (i.e., moves) another person without that other person's consent, with the intent to use the abduction in connection with some other nefarious objective.

Our police have the power to arrest. Making an arrest during the commission of a federal crime is no arrest at all. It is a kidnapping. Listen folks, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that law enforcement officials cannot operate on both sides of the law simultaneously. That is like saying a cop can hold up a bank and while there robbing it arrests the security guard for having pointed a gun at him.

VISNER May 15, 2013 8:52 am (Pacific time)

"First read the State laws and stop relying so much on federal laws. MCL 750.535(1) A person shall not buy, recieve, possess, conceal, or aid in the concealment of stolen, embezzled or converted money goods or porper "Knowing" the money goods or poperty is stolen embezzlend or converted. The person recieving the stolen property has to KNOW or have reason to believe its stolen. The people who "came" to your house and took property had no knowledge of the property being allegedly stolen by Sweet."

Wow, your spelling is atrocious but that isn't a crime so I will direct comment to your statement above instead. You bring up a very valid point. Basically what you are saying is that after I told your sheriff what happened (as described in this story), he broke this law too!

I have no doubt that some people were made to believe that we had actually abandoned our home and property by Sweet as she is a very convincing liar. But here's the thing... The second that I was denied the ability to call 911 to report the burglary, everyone in the sheriff department should have said oops! Sorry Ted and family, here is your stuff back. Hundreds of opportunities have existed between then and now to come forward and return and perhaps apologize for having believed that Sweet actually had authority to give away everything in our home but every opportunity was missed. We have not gotten one single piece of our property back and not one person has stepped forward to apologize. This is aiding in the concealment. If you look at the public notice at www.visner4sheriff.com you will see that in addition to offering exemption from prosecution, I have also offered a reward and still, no one has stepped forward and broken ranks.

Your inept leaders have promised that your solidarity will be your salvation when in actuality, it will become much more damning to everyone involved.

We can all pretend that having sent sheriff Leo very pointed allegations of police involvement in crimes against my family, including the theft/seizure of our stuff didn't put everyone on notice but it did.

Folks this is a sinking ship and your insistence on remaining on it is really not very smart. I have already stated that I hold no ill will towards anyone that participated "unknowingly" but refusing to step forward and to stand not only for what is right but what is lawful is "Aiding and Abetting" and aiding in the continued concealment IS A CRIME. The deadline for both the reward and the exemption from prosecution is Monday- May 27, 2013.

VISNER May 15, 2013 8:21 am (Pacific time)

"The person recieving the stolen property has to KNOW or have reason to believe its stolen. The people who "came" to your house and took property had no knowledge of the property being allegedly stolen by Sweet."
This sounds like first hand knowledge! Too bad you are not willing to share with this audience umm... your NAME. So now that you KNOW that the property was stolen, have you, at any point over the past 2.7 years, made any attempt or effort to return this newly defined "stolen" property that you supposedly and unknowingly took from our home? Oh wait! I can answer that! NOPE...

Anon May 14, 2013 9:17 pm (Pacific time)

It wasnt kidnapping. You were arrested on a charge. You may think it was bogus but apparently you made numberous calls to the 911 center regarding the items "stolen" from your house. Quote federal law all you want about kidnapping. NOt sure if your attorney has told you but people get arrested all the time for commiting crimes and taken to jail. Its not kiddnapping. The case against the Sheriff and the Department will be dismissed. You case is going to be against Sweet for breaching the contract and selling your stuff.

Anon May 14, 2013 9:11 pm (Pacific time)

First read the State laws and stop relying so much on federal laws. MCL 750.535(1) A person shall not buy, recieve, possess, conceal, or aid in the concealment of stolen, embezzled or converted money goods or porper "Knowing" the money goods or poperty is stolen embezzlend or converted. The person recieving the stolen property has to KNOW or have reason to believe its stolen. The people who "came" to your house and took property had no knowledge of the property being allegedly stolen by Sweet.

Local Coverage link May 14, 2013 7:00 pm (Pacific time)

Here is a link to the local newspaper and all the stories they have published regarding this case...even though according to Mr. Visner they blindly support the local governments even though they have repeatedly got under local governments skin by forcing them to reveal things that they don't want to...ao, we have all heard Mr .Visner's side on here...follow the link to find the rest of the story so that you can decide on the whole case and not on just what this rag of a paper has decided to print on Mr Visner's side alone... http://storify.com/lisayj/timeline-of-morning-sun-coverage-of-ted-visner-s-l

This 'rag' is an award-winning news agency that has been highly commended for our defense of Human Rights over almost a decade; the particular reporter is known worldwide for writing articles of this nature. You can cry a river but you can't change the facts.

Anonymous May 14, 2013 4:44 pm (Pacific time)

Does anyone care about the corruption in this county? How can these "people" live with themselves?

Don from Facebook May 14, 2013 2:32 pm (Pacific time)

I think someting of this magnitude would be a civil attorneys dream come true. The ACLU who are very independent would also be frothing at the mouth over this? I do not know anyone, and THANK GOD I do not live in that County. However my suggestion would be call the ACLU and start on the internet and start calling civil attorneys. I would also gather all your facts, cancelled checks, you mentioned a deposition, call records etc. Go to the papers with this. Odd....

Anonymous May 14, 2013 10:10 am (Pacific time)

Another good reason to support the second ammendment...And, Visner should have gotten an attorney immediately. I have a name I will send to Tim King later, to pass on the the Visners (I cant find it right now), of someone that can possibly help without charge. It might be too late in the game tho, not sure.

Federal Criminal Code May 14, 2013 10:07 am (Pacific time)

Violation of the Federal Criminal Code is not a civil infraction and where kidnapping occurs the potential penalty is DEATH. Title 18 U.S.C. §§ 241, 242 http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/investigate/civilrights/federal-statutes
Title 18, U.S.C., Section 241
Conspiracy Against Rights
This statute makes it unlawful for two or more persons to conspire to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any person of any state, territory or district in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him/her by the Constitution or the laws of the United States, (or because of his/her having exercised the same).
It further makes it unlawful for two or more persons to go in disguise on the highway or on the premises of another with the intent to prevent or hinder his/her free exercise or enjoyment of any rights so secured.
Punishment varies from a fine or imprisonment of up to ten years, or both; and if death results, or if such acts include kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for any term of years, or for life, or may be sentenced to death.
Title 18, U.S.C., Section 242
Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law
This statute makes it a crime for any person acting under color of law, statute, ordinance, regulation, or custom to willfully deprive or cause to be deprived from any person those rights, privileges, or immunities secured or protected by the Constitution and laws of the U.S.
This law further prohibits a person acting under color of law, statute, ordinance, regulation or custom to willfully subject or cause to be subjected any person to different punishments, pains, or penalties, than those prescribed for punishment of citizens on account of such person being an alien or by reason of his/her color or race.
Acts under "color of any law" include acts not only done by federal, state, or local officials within the bounds or limits of their lawful authority, but also acts done without and beyond the bounds of their lawful authority; provided that, in order for unlawful acts of any official to be done under "color of any law," the unlawful acts must be done while such official is purporting or pretending to act in the performance of his/her official duties. This definition includes, in addition to law enforcement officials, individuals such as Mayors, Council persons, Judges, Nursing Home Proprietors, Security Guards, etc., persons who are bound by laws, statutes ordinances, or customs.
Punishment varies from a fine or imprisonment of up to one year, or both, and if bodily injury results or if such acts include the use, attempted use, or threatened use of a dangerous weapon, explosives, or fire shall be fined or imprisoned up to ten years or both, and if death results, or if such acts include kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill, shall be fined under this title, or imprisoned for any term of years or for life, or both, or may be sentenced to death.

Anonymous May 14, 2013 9:51 am (Pacific time)

To the editor...I am on your side in regards to this article, but may I share something with you for future reference?
§ 164.095¹
Theft by receiving
(1) A person commits theft by receiving if the person receives, retains, conceals or disposes of property of another knowing or having good reason to know that the property was the subject of theft.
(the word "knowing" is important)
http://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/164.095

me May 14, 2013 2:20 am (Pacific time)

This is pretty one-sided. Readers should check out the archived articles in Mt. Pleasant's local paper, The Morning Sun, for a more accurate telling of the story.

I think people are very accustomed at this point to the fact that ultra local newspapers are packed with reporters more than happy to please their local governments, staying on their 'good side' in order to maintain good relations and get cooperation for local articles. I understand this newspaper you refer to had an opportunity to tell the real story, and passed..

anon May 13, 2013 9:53 pm (Pacific time)

make sure you know the difference between a Civil Issue and a Criminal Issue. Police do not enforce civil issues only criminal. Violation of land contract and evictions are matters for civil court. Get a court order.

anon May 13, 2013 9:50 pm (Pacific time)

Seems more like a civil issue between Visner and Sweet. Sweet told her coworkers that the house had been forclosed due to Visner not making payments. Sweet gave away the contents of the home to people who had no knowledge of the items being stolen, which is required for it to be the crime of receiving stolen property. I am assuming Visner called 911 a few dozen times to report Sweet, which is an illegal use of the 911 system by statute. The other civil suites between the County and visner will be thrown out becuase Sweet was not acting as an employee at the time of giving away the contents but as a land owner. Go after Sweet its the only case you have. Good luck

There is no law protecting people who buy or receive stolen property from criminal charges "because they didn't know" - that is patently false.

Destry May 13, 2013 8:58 pm (Pacific time)

Marbury V. Madison 5 U.S. 137 says the Constitution of the United States is the Supreme law of the land.
Shapiro V. Thompson 394 U.S. 618 says the right to travel is so basic that it shouldn’t even be questioned.
Murdoch V. Pennsylvania 319 U.S. 106 says no state may convert a secure liberty into a privilege and then issue a license and a fee for it.
Shuttlesworth V. Birmingham Alabama 373 U.S. 262 says I can ignore the license and engage in the right with impunity, that means you can’t punish me for it.
Norton V. Shelby County 118 U.S. 425 an unconstitutional act is not law. It confers no rights and poses no duties, affords no protections, and creates no office. It is in legal contemplation as inoperative though it had never been passed.
US V. Bishop 412 U.S. 346 Defines willfulness as an evil motive or intent to avoid a known duty or task under law with immoral certainty. I am using the constitution and supreme court cases so I am not using evil motives or intents.
16th Andrews prudent second section 97 says that it shall be interpreted in my favor because I am the clearly intended and expressly designated beneficiary for the protection of my rights and property.
S.C.R. 1795, Penhallow v. Doane's Administrators (3 U.S. 54; 1 L.Ed. 57; 3 Dall. 54
Government Is Foreclosed from Parity with Real People
– Supreme Court of the United States 1795
"Inasmuch as every government is an artificial person, an abstraction, and a creature of
the mind only, a government can interface only with other artificial persons. The imaginary,
having neither actuality nor substance, is foreclosed from creating and attaining parity
with the tangible. The legal manifestation of this is that no government, as well as any
law, agency, aspect, court, etc. can concern itself with anything other than corporate,
artificial persons and the contracts between them."
Supreme Court of the United States 1795
[--Not the "United States Supreme Court" –ed.]
CRUDEN v. NEALE 2N.C. (1796) 2 SE 70 "Every man is independent of all laws, except those prescribed by nature. He is not bound by any institutions formed by his fellowmen without his consent"
Are you a slave to the system with no rights? Or are you alive and pissed off? Are you going to learn who you are and live free?

Anonymous May 13, 2013 8:36 pm (Pacific time)

There has already been proof that the banks sold the mortgages over and over to companies that would take them. They sold one mortage, to several entities. Thus the event back in 2007/2008. It is the BANKS that need proof, nobody even knows who owns the mortgage, it was sold to several. If the Visners would have had this info, they may have won. They took the wrong track. Yet again, if I get the time tomorrow I will try and get this info to Tim. People are winning these cases all over the country because the banksters cant prove who owns the mortgage. The Visners took the wrong legal path.

Anonymous May 13, 2013 8:30 pm (Pacific time)

Are you unbleievers kidding? This is happening all over the country? This is one story of tens of thousands, if not more..Try researching and quit watching tv! Remember the banks helping those homeowners who got swindled? They got 300 bucks..while the bankers got billions. As far as the sheriff? I dont care how cool he is, he got pressured by the banskters and he gave in. Period. People need to wake up because it is going to be YOUR house next. Think I am kidding? Bernanke is printing 85 billion a month to buy mortgage backed securities, they (a foreign bankster group they call the federal reserve)will own your house, using YOUR, and YOUR KIDS tax money. People best take off the rose colored glasses, because it will be YOU next. Have a paid off deed for your property? Dont take my word for it, go get it out and read it. You are a TENANT..it says it right on your deed. There are people beating charges such as this in court. I will send Tim King the info when I have more time for him to print. Please, trun off your tv and use a search engine. I would suggest not using google, they track you and document everything you do. Use "startpage.com" they protect your identity. But look this stuff up and find out for yourself, and yet again, turn off the friggn tv.
And you do not even know the IRS was started in 1913, just when the federal reserve bank (foreign owned bankers) took over the country and use IRS as their police force? Research it yourself.
The ignorance of people, and the refusal to believe that our government is NOT here to help us, is the reason this country is turning into a third world country.

John Dodson May 13, 2013 5:09 pm (Pacific time)

Hey Tim,
Thanks for the heads up on this story. It is the State Police's duty to investigate and prosecute crimes by other law enforcement agency's in its state. I've suggested to Mr. Visner that he add the canceled checks or receipt pictures to the slide show associated with his story to lend more credibility for those that find it hard to believe...
Semper Fi
a fellow MWSG-37 survivor

Local resident May 13, 2013 2:54 pm (Pacific time)

I'll just say this: Ted Visner is an honest man, people who know him trust him.

AG May 13, 2013 12:21 pm (Pacific time)

It's a land contract! If they wanted to actually own the property they should have paid for it 100%. If you know anything about land contracts they are a double edged sword. Just because some one works for the Sheriffs Department doesn' mean the whole Sheriffs department is involved. Com'on Visner for Sheriff.

Anonymous May 13, 2013 6:59 am (Pacific time)

I live in Michigan and I beleave this there are public officials take what they please I live in ionia couny and there police will come get things from people that don't belong to them

Alicia Drake May 13, 2013 5:14 am (Pacific time)

My family did loss there home but all the contants were placed in a shed on my mother in laws property. When the bank came out to have there so call crew clean it they got on my mother in laws property and in the shed to steal things I can never replace. People who are no longer with us. Put it this way they took my grandaughter pillow from her casket. Two deputys came out only to smile and say it was a simple mistake. When the one guy finalyy called from the bank he told my husband the stuff was of no value and there view from the air. What a joke showed the bank owned that property also. My mother in law has owned that property since the earily 60s. I dont have any idea what to do. I feel so bad for your family for the loss. I wsa so upset and was told if i didnt calm down i to would go to jail. We the people from every county ned to stand strong. And area wise we are not that far apart. U can email me if u wish at alicianovak@gail.com And god bless u and your family.

Anonymous May 13, 2013 3:44 am (Pacific time)

I dont know any of these persons personally, its seems to me that there are always two sides to every story and somewhere in the "middle" is the trueth. with that being said, the family if they feel that their rights have been violated should have went beyond their own county in search for help. And, you should "always" have paper work on land contracts from the current owner stating that the payments are being made. With that being said, if the sheriffs office acted in any kind of criminal way of course they would try to cover it up... anyways, if this is true how very sad and pathetic, but I try to hear both sides of a story before jumping to conclusions.

marimoody May 12, 2013 10:54 pm (Pacific time)

It seems that if what Ms Sweet, and the Sherriffs office claimed was true, they would have produced the eviction papers, signed and dated by a judge. I would think that in the 2.5 years that this has been going on, those eviction papers would have been used to corroborate their actions in removing the possessions from the Visner/Smith home. I tend to believe that since no eviction papers have ever been produced to prove the sherriffs office and Ms Sweet had legal authority to remove those possesions, that the Sherriff office and Ms Sweet have stolen that property, and its contents. I also believe that Mr Visner was ILLEGALLY arrested in an attempt to shut him up. I am in no way connected to this family, the Isabella Sherriffs Dept or Ms Sweet. I am however a concerned citezen, who believes that corruption runs rampant in our law enforcement agencies, and that if action isnt taken, this could happen to any number of families due to the greed of our elected officials. I believe if this case were to be properly investigated that the truth would come out.

Quaker May 12, 2013 6:47 pm (Pacific time)

Where has accountability and integrity in our officials gone?
This is completely pathetic!
A family deprived of their most basic and sacred possessions along with their constitutional civil rights! This is a 1983 claim for sure! I googled "the morning sun" and read the articles involved and the comments and it is very clear to me that this family was railroaded. Defendant's lawyer claim that that no eviction ever took place and then claim the family abandoned their property after it was all stolen! SICK! The Michigan attorney general should be shutting that county DOWN!I am going to try and get a copy of the court case and post it. This family needs retribution.

kg May 12, 2013 5:43 pm (Pacific time)

I know people in this story...and that is just what it is a story. This did not happed the way they are tellng it. It is sad what people will come up with and what others will believe!

Anonymous May 12, 2013 5:02 pm (Pacific time)

First I thought this story was such a tragedy, which it would be if it were the truth. Right when I read sheriff Mioduszewski was involved I knew it was a lie. I know him personally and he is one of the most honest and trustworthy individuals I have ever met and does a wonderful job as sheriff. If only we heard the other side of the story! Also find it interesting he's running for sheriff, how odd!

Well that is nice that you are a good friend of the sheriff; friendships are important, however what that means is that you are partial, you might be surprised to learn that you don't always know people as well as you think you do. I tried to reach your friend on the telephone before writing this story, by the way, why do you suppose he is reluctant to talk to a reporter? Most people with nothing to hide, particularly elected public officials, know it is their duty to interact with the press and answer questions, At this point he is Stonewall Mioduszewski from what I can tell, and I hope he does return the call, because he is welcome to share his thoughts and statements.

Local Resident May 12, 2013 3:36 pm (Pacific time)

That's Isabella county for you. Completely corrupt. Enough said.

kris May 12, 2013 1:39 pm (Pacific time)

Something is not jiving with this story..Can someone from area clarify? Someone NOT with the last name of Visner

It is unusual for readers commenting on a story to ask us to not use the actual source, but a third party, please explain who you are in this story Kris, thanks.

Bill May 12, 2013 10:58 am (Pacific time)

Am I the only one who finds it odd that Visner is also running for Sherriff in Isabella County?

I find a citizen taking that approach very sound and ideal. If your law enforcement agency is failing, it makes sense to take control of it and fix it, particularly when the area LE is unresponsive. I think that is called the American Way.

Denise Pelcher May 11, 2013 8:56 pm (Pacific time)

I live in Isabella County and know there is alot of corruption. I am happy to share your story on my Facebook page telling everyone in Isabella County they need to read it. I know Larry Burdick just started as the Prosecutor for the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and many are not happy about it. With good reason.

Michigan Local May 10, 2013 4:57 pm (Pacific time)

This is funny because I live in that area and when all this came to light Mr. Visner could not provide supporting evidence even though given multiple chances. And he tried to use this card to win the local Sheriff's election and the public, being informed of the situation before Mr. Visner could get a more elaborate story, still supported the incumbent Sheriff...sounds like he is still trying to beat a dead horse with evidence he miraculosly has now but couldn't produce given multiple chances in court...

Ted Visner:

This anonymous comment, made from an IP address in Kansas (not Michigan) is typical of what to expect from someone that is either directly involved or related to someone that is directly involved that would only have an interest for the purposes of or attempt to further cover, conceal and discredit. Who are you Mr./Mrs. Anonymous from Kansas that claims to live in my community? If this is such a joke to you why not lend credibility to your comment by naming yourself or better yet, producing more than a simple disconnected contradiction?

Law enforcement refused to investigate our allegations against them so who exactly were we supposed to furnish “supporting evidence” and “who” gave us multiple chances to do so? The reason we have law enforcement in the first place is so that criminal investigations can be done by those trained and employed to perform them. In our case, we have had to perform the investigations ourselves and without any of the tools of the agencies who’s job is to do the same so it will obviously take a longer period of time. Loosing the election for sheriff by 8% of the vote with less than $600 dollars was quite an impressive accomplishment. Sheriff Leo didn't put out a single campaign sign during the election because the voters Goggling his name would have quicker directed people to my site and all of this same information. Sheriff Leo's refusal to campaign against me is the only reason he won last November and is the reason today that he has not yet been arrested for his active role in the victimization of my family and the deprivation of our rights under color of law.

R Martin May 8, 2013 7:21 pm (Pacific time)

Same thing happened to me in 1990, by the Dow Credit Union. They lied, and bought off the judge and Sheriff Dept. in Gladwin county Mi., I was called back to active duty for Desert Storm, and they would have to reduce the interest rate and lower the payments, so they stoled my home. I tryed to take action aginst them when I got back, but No one cared, NO ONE!.

Matt Johnson May 7, 2013 9:15 pm (Pacific time)

That is a tragic story, this poor family! What on earth is wrong with Michigan anyway? Here in Malibu we have our problems but authorities can not just blow off their duties and ignore problems they start, this country is going down the tubes and it is folks like this in Isabella County, Michigan who are causing it to happen, and a few brave individuals like Ted Visner and Kathy Smith are battling these dragons, more power to you guys, your story is getting out there!